ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
President's Secretariat
President of India’s greetings on the eve of Christmas
The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has sent her greetings to all fellow citizens on the eve of Christmas.
In a message, the President has said, “I extend my heartiest greetings to all the countrymen, especially Christian brothers and sisters on the festival of Christmas.
This festival is a symbol of peace and brotherhood for the entire mankind. On this day we remember the message of compassion and sacrifice given by Jesus Christ. The festival of Christmas inspires us to treat each other with love and kindness.
Let us take a pledge to adopt the divine teachings of Jesus Christ in our lives”.
Please click here to see the President message-
Ministry of Coal
Coal Gasification Pilot Projects & Advantages
Government has initiated steps to execute the four pilot coal gasification projects announced in Budget 2022-23. Details of the four projects, including location, budget allocation, source of coal, etc, are as under-
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Subsidiary
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Location
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Mines
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Coal Requirement

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Coal Grade
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Product
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Capacity
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Approx. Cost as per PFR

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Status
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ECL
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Bahadurpur
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Sonepur Bazari Mine
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1.35 MMTPA
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Methanol
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7421
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Tenders invited
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SECL
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Bhatgaon Area
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Mahamaya Mine
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1.35 MMTPA
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Ammonia
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7816
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Tenders invited
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WCL
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Juna Kunad
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Niljai Mine
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0.8 MMTPA
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Ammonium Nitrate
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7893
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Tender document under preparation
For execution of 4th pilot coal gasification projects, CIL & BHEL are jointly exploring a high ash coal  based surface coal gasification project for production of ammonium nitrate using BHEL’s indigenously developed technology. The location is under finalisation and the PFR is currently under preparation.
Gasification of coal in the above projects would result in production of Syngas which is further processed to produce different chemicals.
As the above products, produced through goal gasification, will not be used for power generation, no such study has been undertaken. However, the scientific literature on coal gasification enumerate the following:
- The SOx and NOx emission is lower compared to regular combustion of in coal-fired boilers in thermal power plants;
 It is technically amenable for CCUS  when gasification is done using pure oxygen compared to regular combustion using atmospheric air; and,
- The CO2 emission foot print is comparatively lower for some chemicals produced through coal gasification route.
Coal gasification projects at CIL are being undertaken to promote an alternate and comparatively cleaner use of coal. These projects are envisaged as pilot projects and on achievement of techno-commercial viability, the projects would serve as foundation to further setting up of such plants and will thereby help in ensuring relevance of coal in view of the COP26 pledges.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Initiatives for Social Unity
The untouchability  Act 1955’, was enacted to abolish Untouchability and forbide its practice in any form. This Act was amended and renamed in 1976 as the “Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955”. As the PCR Act covered offences of untouchability, but not of atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes  and the Scheduled Tribes , another Act of Parliament namely the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes  {PoA} Act, 1989 was enacted to prevent the commission of offences of atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes  and Scheduled Tribes .
For the effective implementation of these Acts, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for the implementation of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes  Act, 1989 is in force to provide admissible Central assistance to State Governments and Union Territory Administrations towards effective implementation of the PCR Act and the PoA Act inter-alia for providing incentive for Inter-Caste marriages where one of the spouse is a member of Scheduled Caste.
The funding pattern of the Scheme is as such that total expenditure over and above the committed liability is shared on 50:50 basis between the Central Government and concerned State Government and the Union Territory Administration receives 100% Central assistance. As per the information received from the State Governments/UT Administrations, the number of couples provided incentive for inter-caste marriage under the scheme in the last three F.Y are as under:-
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S.No
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F.Y
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Number of couples provided incentive for inter caste marriage
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1
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2019-20
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23355
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2
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2020-21
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20237
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3
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2021-22
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22323
This information was given by the Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri A. Narayanaswamy in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, PM’s vision of “Act East” imparting a new approach in our relations with neighbouring countries
Union Minister of State  Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the vision of “Act East”, thus imparting a new push to our approach and focus to our relations with neighbouring countries through “Act East” policy.
Addressing the Asia Pacfic Youth Exchange  meet along with the Vice President of the Republic of Philippines, Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo and the Chief Minister of Mizoram Zoramthanga, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, as the Minister In charge of Development of North Eastern Region , he is pleased to note that the North Eastern State of Mizoram is hosting this meet. He said, the North Eastern region is surrounded by international borders and serves as India’s gateway to the East.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said, ever since Narendra Modi took over as Prime Minister, he has accorded a special priority to the development of the North Eastern region of India. He said, this also assumes importance because if India has to successfully engage with the countries across the eastern borders, it must have a strong basis in the areas proximal to eastern borders which comprise the North Eastern States.
With its geographical position and rich natural as well as agro-climatic resources, Dr. Jitendra Singh said, access to the growing ASEAN market is essential for optimum utilization of trade and business opportunities. He recalled how on the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Indo-Bangladesh Agreement was successfully accomplished resulting in the exchange of enclaves thus facilitating easier and cost-effective access to Bangladesh and other regions.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that in the times to come, Sustainable Development Goals  will be our guide for integrating social, economic and environmental dimensions of development. To that extent, he also appreciated the efforts made by the organizers of the Meet to hold interactions of Asia Pacific society with the local communities.
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 14.01 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,93,53,58,865
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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14,01,68,415
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 14.01 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
219.58 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
1,22,555 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 20,821
Active cases stand at 0.05%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.77%
1,892 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,40,97,072
1,112 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
90.04 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,44,491 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Secretary Food and Public distribution meets with State officials today to ensure relief to consumers on prices of edible oil
Production of oilseeds expected to increase in coming Rabi season
Stockists, Millers to now disclose the stock of edible oilseeds and oils with the millers and stockist.
All millers and stockists to submit the data on a portal for transparency and better monitoring
Stockists and sellers to display the prices of edible oil at the premises
In a move to check the unfair practices and to bring transparency in the availability of edible oils,Secretary Food and Public Distribution today met with state officials. The move is expected to bring relief to consumers on prices of edible oil front as the new stock disclosure norms and better monitoring would deter unfair practices and hoarding etc.
In this regard, Centre has asked States to take disclosures of stock of edible oilseeds and oils with the millers and stockist to check the unfair practices of any kind and to bring transparency in the availability of edible oils.
In an interaction with the media, the Secretary said that the production of oilseeds is expected to increase in coming Rabi season. This is also expected to bring down the prices of edible oils.
Stockists, Millers are now expected to disclose the stock of edible oilseeds and oils and submit the data on a portal for transparency and better monitoring.
Stockists and Millers would also need to display the prices of edible oil at the premises.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
More than 42.15 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 2.60 Crore balance and unutilized doses still available with States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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42,15,43,730
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CONSUMPTION
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39,55,31,378
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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2,60,12,352
More than 42.15 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources.
Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 39,55,31,378 doses .
More than 2.60 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Union Minister Shri G.Kishan Reddy says, Socio-economic development of the entire North-Eastern Region at fast pace will be his key focus area
Reviews developmental activities and ongoing projects with senior officials of DoNER
Union Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development of North-Eastern Region  Shri G.Kishan Reddy reviewed various developmental activities and programmes going on in the North-Eastern Region. After the two-day comprehensive Ministerial Review meeting of DoNER, which concluded today, Shri Reddy emphasised that Socio-economic development of the entire North-Eastern Region at fast pace will be his key focus area.
Shri Reddy also asked the senior officials that all ongoing projects should be completed in a stipulated time-frame. He said, all pending projects should be resolved at the earliest through a proper consultation mechanism with other Ministries.
Secretary DoNER Dr Inder Jit Singh and senior officials gave a comprehensive presentation to the Minister about all the projects, schemes and policies of the Ministry of DoNER in the two-day review session.
Earlier, after taking charge of the Ministry of DoNER on Thursday, Shri Reddy said that kind of transformation that took place in the North-Eastern Region in the last seven years in all spheres of life under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is both incredible and unprecedented. He said, under the guidance of Shri Modi, he will try to complete all the pending projects in the region within stipulated timeframe.
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of tourism
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
The main objectives of the Memorandum of Understanding are:
a) Exchanging information and expertise in Legislations in the tourism development, Hotels, resorts and tourist accommodation facilities, Tourism data and statistics, Exhibition events and other tourism activities in States of the Parties, Tourism development, planning and investment; Licensing, operating and marketing tourism facilities, Agricultural Tourism, Desert tourism etc.
b) Exchanging media publications, tourism related films, and encourage exchanging of visits between experts and tourism media representatives in the States of the Parties.
c) Introducing tourism investment opportunities available in the States of the Parties; encourage mutual tourism investment in tourism projects.
d) Encouraging organizing joint tourism events; participate in exhibitions, conferences and seminars held in the States of the Parties thus contributing to tourism development and crystalizing a joint tourism vision.
e) Encouraging public and private education facilities working the tourism education and training field in the States of the Parties.
f) Exchanging innovative experience and technologies in the tourism field, and consultation services.
g) Cooperation and coordinating in international forums and organizations concerned with tourism affairs.
Background:
India and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a strong diplomatic and long economic relationship. The two parties now desiring to strengthen and further develop the established relationship have signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Tourism, Government of the Republic of India and the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.
Saudi Arabia is one of the potential tourist generating market for India from Middle East. The signing of Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia will be instrumental in increasing arrival from this source market.
Ministry of Finance
Revised calendar for Auction of Government of India Treasury Bills-2022-23 
After reviewing the cash position, the Government of India, in consultation with Reserve Bank of India, has revised the amounts for the issuance of Treasury Bills for the remaining part of 2022-23 as under:
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Notified Amount for Auction of Treasury Bills

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Date of Auction
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Date of Issue
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91 Days
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182 Days
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364 Days
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Total
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March 01, 2023
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March 02, 2023
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9,000
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16,000
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14,000
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39,000
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March 08, 2023
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March 09, 2023
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9,000
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16,000
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14,000
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39,000
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March 15, 2023
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March 16, 2023
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9,000
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16,000
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14,000
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39,000
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March 23, 2023
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March 24, 2023
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9,000
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16,000
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14,000
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39,000
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March 29, 2023
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March 31, 2023
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9,000
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16,000
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14,000
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39,000
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Total
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45,000
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80,000
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70,000
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1,95,000
The Government of India, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, will have the flexibility to modify the notified amount and timing for auction of Treasury Bills depending upon the requirements of the Government of India, evolving market conditions and other relevant factors, after giving due notice to the market. Thus, the calendar is subject to change, if circumstances so warrant, including for reasons such as intervening holidays. Such changes, if any, will be communicated through press releases.
The auction of Treasury Bills will be subject to the terms and conditions specified in the General Notification No. F.No.4-W&M/2018 dated March 27, 2018 issued by the Government of India, as amended from time to time.
Ministry of Defence
Passing out parade to be held at Indian naval academy on 30 November 2019
- Indian Naval Academy , Ezhimala will hold its Passing out Parade  for Autumn Term 2019 on Saturday, 30 November 2019. Trainees comprising Midshipmen and Cadets of 97th Indian Naval Academy Course , 97th Indian Naval Academy Course , 28th Naval Orientation Course , 29th Naval Orientation Course  and 29th Naval Orientation Course , will pass out as Officers on successful completion of their training. Six trainees of various friendly foreign nations will also pass out this term.
2. Admiral Karambir Singh, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Chief of the Naval Staff will be the Reviewing Officer for the event. The parade will be witnessed by parents and guardians of the passing out trainees as well as a large number of outstation dignitaries.
3. Trainees of Indian Naval Academy’s four years B.Tech degree course will be awarded their degrees during the convocation ceremony by Dr. TG Sitharam, Director IIT Guwahati, on 29 November 2019. The passing out courses will be administered the Oath of Allegiance by Rear Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor, INA. To commemorate the sacrifices of the brave soldiers of the country, a Wreath Laying Ceremony is also planned at the War Memorial “Prerna Sthal” of INA. A spectacular outdoor training demonstration by the trainees and INA band shall also add to the grandeur of the events conducted during this period.
4. The President’s Colour awarded to INA on 20 November 2019 will be paraded for the first time during the Passing Out Parade for Autumn 2019.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Steps taken for improving maternal and child health in the country
‘Care in pregnancy and childbirth’ one of the components of the 12-packages to deliver Comprehensive Primary Healthcare under Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres  scheme
Under National Health Mission , technical and financial support to the States is given as per the proposals submitted by the States/UTs in the form of Programme Implementation Plans  based on the requirements, including maternal and child health and state specific innovations, and the approvals are accorded as Record of Proceedings  to States/UTs.
Further, one of the components of the 12-packages to deliver Comprehensive Primary Healthcare under Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres  scheme is “Care in pregnancy and childbirth” and includes:
- Early diagnosis and registration of pregnancy and issuing of ID number and Mother and Child protection card
- Ensuring four antenatal care checks of high risk pregnancies including screening of Hypertension, Gestational Diabetes, Anaemia, HIV, Hepatitis b, Thyroid Profile for hype- or hyper- thyroidism, syphilis, etc.
- Referral and follow up of the high risk pregnancy cases.
- Counselling regarding care during pregnancy including information about nutritional requirements
- Facilitating institutional delivery and supporting birth planning
The Government has formulated several schemes/ programmes for facilitating check-ups and screening of pregnant women, which are as follows:
- Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan  provides assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting public health facilities to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
- Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan  provides pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost assured and quality antenatal check up by a Specialist/Medical Officer on the 9th day of every month.
- Monthly Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day  is an outreach activity at Anganwadi centers for provision of maternal and child care including nutrition in convergence with the ICDS.
- MCP Card and Safe Motherhood Booklet are distributed to the pregnant women for educating them on diet, rest, danger signs of pregnancy, benefit schemes and institutional deliveries.
- Reproductive and child health  portal is a name-based web-enabled tracking system for pregnant women and new born so as to ensure seamless provision of complete services to them including antenatal care, institutional delivery and post-natal care.
- Outreach camps are provisioned for improving the reach of health care services especially in tribal and hard to reach areas. This platform is used to increase the awareness for the Maternal & Child health services, community mobilization as well as to track high risk pregnancies.
The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.